Automatic control of the brakes of a



1940- R. s. WHITTINGTON Re. 21.

AUTOMATIC CONTROL OF THE BRAKES OF A MOTOR VEHICLE Original Filed Aug. 31, 1932 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 l N VEN TOR.

A TTORNEY.

Nov. 26, 1940- R. s. WHITTINGTON 21,640

AUTOMATIC CONTRQL OF THE BRAKES OF A MOTOR VEHICLE Ofiginal Filed Aug. 31, 1932 2- Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEY.

Reissued Nov. 26, 1940 AUTOMATIC common on THE BRAKES or a Moron. VEHICLE Ralph -S. Whittington, Springfield, Mass., assignor to Bendix Products Corporation, South Bend, Ind., a corporation of Indiana I Original No. 2,111,305, dated March 15- 1938, Se-

i'lal No. 631.208, August 31, 1932.

Application for reissue flied October 27, 1938, Serial No. I

This invention relates to an automatic means applying the brakes of an automotive vehicle by the use 01' intake manifold vacuum.

The primary object of this invention is to pro- 5 vide a means of automatically holding the brakes of an automotive vehicle on after the vehicle has completely stoppedand the accelerator is completely released as the motor idles.

Fig. 1 is a semi-diagrammatic view partly in section of a control means constructed in accordance with this invention.

Fig. 1A is a fragmentary sectional view illustrating a variation adaptable to the system shown in Fig. l. v

Fig. 1B is a fragmentary view partly in section showing the method of connecting the carburetor throttle valve to the system of Fig. 1.

' Fig. 2 is a semi-diagrammatic view partly in section showing how the device of Fig. 1A is adapted to the system 01' Fig. 1.

In general this invention provides a vacuum operated power unit operable to app y the brakes of the vehicle and controlled by means controlling the acceleration of the motor and by the motionof the vehicle, so that vacuum from the intake manifold holds the brakes of the vehicle on as soon'as the vehicle stops with the accelerator released. This eliminates the necessity of manually holding the brakes ou as is the case when 80 the vehicle is stopped on an incline to wait for trsfl stop signals, etc. I

Such a device is readily adapted to a vehicle equipped with a vacuum power brake or booster brake. and more vehicles are being thusly I5 equipped each year. Also, where the transmission of the vehicle is equipped with force feed lubrication. this system is more readily adapted.

Referring then'to the drawings, there is shown in Fig. .1 a system composed of the conduit l 40 adapted to be connected to the intake manifold II -of a motor II of a vehicle with which the system is associated. Conduit l is provided with the" I which contains the bore I. Bore I slidably plunger I which is connected IILby a suitable linkage I to the accelerator pedal I. A spring Ia isjprovided for returning the ace erator pedal I. Plunger '4 divides conduit into passages I and I, and'controls communication between pes I and I and between passage I and the atmosphere by virtue of the reduced portion I of the plunger I and'groove II in plun er I. Conduit I terminates inthe extension .ii which contains the bore. II, and bore II slidably receives the piston iI. Into extension ii is tapped the conduit II-, which at its other endis 24 (cuss-3) tapped into the power cylinder II, providing the passage II communicating with bore II of the. extension II and the chamber I! of the power cylinder II. The valve II, by virtue of the reduced portion II, controls communication be- 5 tween passages I and II.

Valve II is actuated by spring II and by pressure applied thru the conduit II tapped into extension ii. Conduit Ii is tapped into the extension Ii and forms a passage from the bore II to 10 the reservoir II of intake of the pump II sup -J plying pressure through the conduit II. Pump shaft II is adapted to be driven by the motion of the vehicle. Conduit 22 provides a passage from passage I to the chamber II of the brake valve 15 II, and conduit II provides a passage from the bore iI of extension Ii to chamber II of brake valve II thru the port II. Diaphragm Il controls communication between the chambers II and II of brake valve II, and is actuated by ten- 20 sion in brake rods II and II, and by vacuum. Brake pedal II, by virtue of mg Ii, is arranged to place tension in pull rod II and pull rod II is rigidly attached to the valve body II.

Power cylinder II slidably receives the piston 25 IIfwhich is connected by piston rod is to lever II. Lever II controls the main brake cross shaft II which actuates the brakes II and Ii and We and Ila associated respectively with the road wheels II and "of the vehicle by meansof the levers II and IIa the links II and IIa, and the cams II and IIa respectively. An opp ite extension of the lever II also actuates the rod II connected to the brake valve II.

Ports II and I1 form an atmospheric connection from chamber- II of the brake valve II, controlled by the disk It tapped into the end of the member II. The end of pull rod II is provided with the enlarged portion II which slides in" member II to limit the motion of diaphragm Il. Spring II acts to hold disk II and disk II in contact with diaphragm II. 1

In the operation of the system, vacuum from the intake manifold is present in passage I while the motor of the vehicle is operating, and while' the accelerator is released vacuum can act past plunger I, by virtue of the reduced portion I of plunger I, to the passage I.

While the vehicle is in motion, pressure from so the on lubricating system, or-anv pump II driven by the motion of the vehicle, acts in conduit II to move valve lI'to compress spring II, thereby closing e I from bore 1:, andopening-bore II to conduitII. But as soon as a 70 21 against the circular 11b 24'.

the vehicle comes to a stop, spring 19 moves valve l3 to the position shown in Fig. 1 thereby opening passage 8 to passage It by virtue of reduced portion 12 of valve n. The relief e prosmall to interfere with the transmission pump in maintaining a pressure in conduit 20. In making a normal stop, that is depressing the brake pedal 34 with the accelerator released, this invention does not interfere in any way with normal action of the braking system. This is. true regardless of the position of the accelera- 15 tor, since as long as the vehicle a moving, pressure will hold the valve 13 down to close passage I from passage II, and open passa e It to passage so that vacuum will be admitted to the power cylinder II only thru the operation of the brake pedal 32 and the valve 24.

Thus as soon as the vehicle stops, vacuum from the intake manifold can act directly to the chamber I! of the power cylinder II, allowing atmospheric pressure to move piston 32 to the 25 position shown in Fig. 1. Thus the pull rod 33 acts on the lever 34 and rotates the main brake cross shaft 35, thereby applying the brakes ill and ii of the vehicle. The brakes will remain on (while the motor is idling) until the accelera- 80 tor pedal 6 is depressed. This action will shut of! vacuum in passage 2 and open it to the atmosphere thru groove ll of plunger 4 before the motor is accelerated. Atmospheric pressure will then exist in chamber II of power cylinder II,

and piston 32 will be returned to its normal position by the brake return springs 33 thereby releasing the brakes 54 and II. 1 As soon as the vehicle is in motion again, pressure will exist in conduit 20, compressing spring ll again, closing passage 2 from passage I 2, and opening e 13 to conduit 22, making possiblethe normal use of the manually operated vacuum booster brake. The automatic brake system just described would ordinarily be associated with a vacuum booster brake system, as is illustrated in Fig. 1. This particular system is merely shown as an example, and it is obvious that any system using a vacuum operated power unit could be adapted to the above outlined system.

60 In the operation of this particular system,.

vacuum from the engine intake system acts thru conduit 22 to the chamber 23 of the brake valve 24. when the brake pedal 33 is dep, lug 3| acts to place a tension in pull rods-22 and 55 2!, thus starting the manual operation of the brake by rotating the main brake cross shaft 35. This also moves diaphragm 21 from its contact on the circular rib 24' by compressing spring 41,

I therebyl opening" chamber 2' to chamber 23. so This opening is eflected by the. relative motion of valve housing 24 with rod 28 away from rod 20. Thus intake manifold vacuum is transferred to chamber 26 and thru port 25', thru conduit.

23, thru valve l3 and 13 to chamber I1 55 of power cylinder I5, thereby allowing vacuum t further apply the brakes. However; as vacuum appears in chamber 23 of brake valve 24, atmospheric pressure acts thru ports 34 and 31 of brake valve 24, tending to move diaphragm The dish urgedalsobyspringfl assistsinclosingthe chamber 28 from the chamber 23. This will happen when the vacuum in chamber 22 reaches the eorrectflgure in relation to the pedal pressure exerted on'brake pedal 34. since the motion phragm' 21.

of piston 32 of power cylinder l5, as the brakes are applied, moves the member 39 forward to allow the closing ofthe chamber 26 by the dia- Thus as the brake is applied more by manual pressure, vacuum will assist in apply- 5 ingthe brakes in a corresponding ratio.

The enlarged portion 40 of pull rod 28 allows the diaphragm 21 to move only a fixed distance, and carries the force exerted on the brake pedal 32 in excess of. the force of spring 41 and atmos- 10 pherlc pressure acting on the diaphragm 21.

When the brake pedal is released, atmospheric pressure acting thru the ports 36 and 31, forces disk 38 away from diaphragm 21, allowing air to enterchamber 26 of the brake valve 24, there- 15 by releasing the vacuum in the chamber 11 of the power cylinder 15, thus completely releasing the brakes.

This must happen since, when the brake pedal 33 is released the rod 28 has no tension in it and 20 the valve body 24 will not be urged forward. Hence no pressurecan exist between, the surface of disk 38 and the diaphragm 21, and for this reason atmospheric pressure will have free communication with the chamber 26 through the 5 ports 36.

Fig. 1B shows how the carburetor throttle valve 43 is operated by the accelerator pedal 0 of Fig. 1. After some pre-determined motion of the pedal 6 and the valve 4, the valve 4 contacts 30 the throttle valve control rod a which, by means of the arm 5|, opens the throttle valve 43.

It is desirable to have a certain lag between the motion of the pedal 6 and valve 4 as related to the throttle valve 43 in order that the valve 4 85 can effect a release of the brakes before the throttle valve 43 is opened. The spring 52 urges the throttle valve toward closed position.

Fig. 1A illustrates a method of eliminating the plunger 4 shown in Fig. 1. Here the carburetor 0 throttle valve 43 acts as the means, controlling communication between the intake system and the passage 2 of Fig. 1, and between the passage 8 and the atmosphere. Port 44 is subject to the vacuum in passage 45 of the carburetor riser 46 45 when the throttle valve 43 is closed, and to atmosphere in passage 41 when the throttle valve 43 is opened. Thus passage 30 is subject to vacuum when the motor idles, and to atmospheric pressureas the throttle valve 43 is actuated. so

Passage la is adapted to, be connected to the bore I2 in Fig.1 in the same manner as the passage 3 shown inFig. 1. The port 44 in carburetor riser 42 should preferably be rectangular in shape or formed to have the maximum area and require the minimum motion of throttle valve 42 to expose it to atmospheric pressure.

In Fig. 2 the manner in which the device of Fig. 1A is adapted to the system of Fig. 1 is illustrated. The passage of the conduit 22 connects directly to the passage formed by the conduit I as in g. 1. The passage formed by the conduit from the valve body ll leads to the port 44 formed in the carburetor riser 44 at a point just above the throttle valve 43 that is degree, and the above substitution does not atiect the operation 01' the system.

By the use 01' the term motion oi the vehicle appearing above and in the claims, is meant the motion or movement 01' the vehicle which results from rotation of the vehicle wheels whether caused by operation of the vehicle engine or by the action oi gravity upon the vehicle, as in coasting.

While the invention has been described in some detail, it is to be understood that the description is for the purpose of illustration only and is not to be construed as definitive oi the limits oi the inventive idea. The right is reserved to make such changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts aswill fall within the purview or the following claims.

What I claim as my invention is:

1. In a system or the class described, an automotive vehicle having brakes and a motor with an intake system, means for controlling the acceleration of said motor, a pressure responsive member for applying said brakes, means providing a passage from the intake system of said motor to said member, means operating upon release of the means for controlling the acceleration of the motor to open said pe whereby vacuum actuates said member to apply said brakes, and operating upon the actuation of said acceleration control mechanism to close said passage from the intake system and open said passage to the atmosphere whereby said brakes are released, an'd ineans operating at the initial motion of said vehicle to close said passage from the intake system. 2. In asystem of the class described, an automotive vehicle having brakes, a vacuum power brake system and a motor with an intake sys-; tem, means for controlling the acceleration of the motor, means, providing a passage between the intake system of the motor and the pressure ,responsive member 0! said power brake system for applying said brakes, meansoperating upon release oi the means for controlling the acceleration of the motor to open said whereby vacuum actuates said member to apply said brakes, and operating upon the actuation of said acceleration .control mechanism to .close said a ing said brakes, means i'or controlling the accel 'eration of said motor, means providing a passage i'romthe intake system. of the motor to said 'member, means operating upon release or the means for controlling the acceleration of the motor to open said passage whereby vacuum "actuates said member to apply said brakes, and

operating upon the actuation oi! said accelerav tion mechanism to close said e iron the intake system and open said e to the atmosphere" whereby said brakes are released, means whereby said traon lubricating pump is operative at the initial motion of saidvehicle to close said passage from the intake system.

4. In [a system of the class described, an automotive vehicle having a motor and brakes, means controlling the acceleration of the motor of said vehicle, a source of vacuum, a pressure responsive membenoperative to apply the brakes of said vehicle, means providing a passage between passage from said source and open said passage to atmosphere, and means operative at the initial motion of said vehicle to close said. passage from said source and operative to open said passage to said source when said vehicle stops.

5. In a system of the class described, an automotive vehicle having a motor and brakes, means controlling the acceleration of said motor, a source of pressure, a pressure responsive member operative to apply the brakes or said vehicle, means providing a passage between said member and said pressure source, means operative when said acceleration control mechanismv is released to open said passage to the source oi pressure and operative on the actuation of said acceleration control mechanism, to close said passage from said pressure source whereby said brakes are released, and means operative when said vehicle is put in motion to close said passage from said source of pressure and operative to open said passage to said pressure source when said vehicle stops.

6. In a system of the class described, an automotive vehicle having brakes and a motor with an intake system, means for controlling the acceleration of said motor, a pressure responsive member for applying said brakes, means providing a passage from the intake system of said motor to said pressure responsive member, a valve operable by said acceleration control mechanism to control communication between.

said passage and the intake system, and between said passage and the atmosphere, means operating upon release of the acceleration control mechanism to actuate said valve to open said passage to the intake system and operating lln the actuation 01' said acceleration control mechanism to actuate said valve to close said passage from the intake system and open said passage to atmosphere whereby said brakes-are released, means operable by the pressure generated by the motion of said vehicle and controlling communication betweenthe intake system and said member, the last named means being operative at the initial motion-oi! said vehicle to close said passage from the intake'system, and open said passage to the intake system when said vehicle stops. Y

7. In a system of the class described, an automotive vehicle having brakes and a motor with an intake system, means for controlling the acceleration of said motor, a pressure responsive member for applying said brakes, means providing a passage from the intake system '0! said motor to said member, a valve operable by said acceleration control mechanism to control com.- munication between, said passage and the intake system and between said passage and the atmosphere, means operating upon release oi! the acceleration control mechanism to actuate said valve to open said passage to the intake and operating upon the actuation oi' said acceleration control mechanism to actuate said valve to close said passage fror'n-the intake system and open said passage to atmosphere whereby said brakes are released,a second valve operabie by pressure generated by the motion 0! said vehicle and controlling communication between the intake system and said member whereby at the initial motion of said vehicle said passage between said member and the intake system is closed, resilient means operable to actuate said sive member for applying said brakes, a port in said carburetor riser, said port being. subject to vacuum in the carburetor riser when the motor is idling and subject to atmospheric pressure when the throttle valve is open, means providing a e between said port and said member, a second valve operable by pressure generated by the motion of said vehicle and controlling communication between said port and said member whereby said second valve-is actuated to close said e from said port at the initial motion of the vehicle, resilient means operable to actuate said second valve to open said e to said port when said vehicle stops whereby said brakes are applied.

9. In a system 01' the class described, an automotive vehicle having brakes and a motor with an intake system including a carburetor riser with a throttle valve therein, ,a pressure responsive member for applying said brakes, a port in said carburetor riser, said port being subject to vacuum in the carburetor riser when the motor is idling and subject to atmospheric pressure when said throttle valve is opened, means providing a passage between said port and said member, a second valve operable by pressure generated by the motion of said vehicle andcontrolling communication between said port and said member whereby said second valve is actuated to close'said passageirom said port at the initial motion of said vehicle, resilient means operable to actuate said second valve to open said e to. said port when said vehicle stops whereby said brakes are applied, means whereby fluid pressure actuating said second valve is relieved resulting in the tree action oi said resilient 10. In a system oi. the class described, an automotive vehicle having brakes with a vacuum power brake system including a pressure respon sive member for applyin the vehicle brakes, a control means for admitting vacuum to said member, a motor with an intake system, mecha- -nism iorcontrolling the acceleration of said motor,- means providing a e between the intake system and the pressure responsive mem ber of said power brake system, a valve operable by said acceleration control mechanism to control communication between said passage and the intake system and between said passage and the atmosphere, a second valve operable by pressure'generated by themotionof said vehicle and controlling communication oisaid passage with said member and also controlling a second passage with said member whereby said second valve is actuated to close said passage from the intake system and open said second passage, said second pauage being operative on the actuation oi said brakes to admit vacuum to said member to apply stops whereby said brakes are applied.

11. In a system of the class described, an automotive vehicle having brakes with a vacuum power brake system including a pressure responsive member for applying the vehicle brakes, a control means for admitting vacuum to said member, a motor with an intake system, mechanism for controlling the acceleration of said motor, means providing a passage between the intake system and the pressure responsive member of said power brake system, a valveoperable V by said acceleration control mechanism to control communication between said passage and the intake system and between said passage and the atmosphere, means operating upon release of the acceleration control mechanism to actuate said valve to open said w: e to the intake system and operating on the actuation of said acceleration control mechanism to close said passage from the intake system and opensaid passage to the atmosphere whereby said brakes are released, a second valve operable by pressure generated by the motion of said vehicle and controlling communication of said passage with said member and also controlling communication oi a second e between said vacuum brake control means and said member wherebysaid second valve is actuated to close said passage from the intake system and open said second passage, said'second w a; being operative on the actuation of said control means to admit vacuum to said member for applying said brakes, re-

silient means operable to actuate said second valve to open said e to the intake system when said vehicle stops whereby said brakes are held applied. I

12. In a system of the class described, an automotive vehicle having brakes with a vacuum power brake system including a pressure responsive member for applying the vehicle brakes, a control means for admitting vacuum to said member, and a motor with an intake system ineluding a carburetor riser with a throttle valve therein, means for actuating said throttle valve,

a port in said carburetor riser, said port being subject to vacuum in the carburetor riser when the motor is-idling and subject to atmospheric pressure when said throttle valve is opened, means providing a passage between said port and the pressure responsive member of said power brake system, a second, valve operable by pressure generated by the motion of said vehicle and controlling communication between said port and said member whereby said second valve is actuated to close said e from said port and open a second e on the initial motionbi' said vehicle, said second passage being operative on the actuation of the control means of said power brake system to admit vacuum to said member and apply said brakes, resilient means operable to actuate said second valve to open said passage to, said port when said vehicle stone whereby the brakes are held applied.

13. In a system otthe class described, an automotive vehicle having brakes with a vacuum 'tem and through the medium oi aforesaid vacuum brake motor to open 'when the engine is running.

power brake system including a pressure responsive member for applying control means for admitting vacuum to said member, a motor with an intake system including a carburetor riser with a throttle valve therein, means for controlling the actuation or said throttle valve, a port in said carburetor riser.

buretor riser when the motor is idling and subject to atmospheric pressure when said throttle valve is open, means providing a passage between said port and the pressure responsive member or said power brake system, a second passage providing communication between the intake syssaid pressure responsive member a second valve operable by presmotion of said vehicle control means, sure generated by the and controlling communication between said port and said member whereby said second valve is actuated to close said passage. from said port and open said second passage on the initial motion oi said vehicle whereby said second passage is operative on the actuation of said power brake control means to admit vacuum to said member and apply said brakes, to actuate said second valve to open said passage to said port when said vehicle stops whereby said brakes are held applied. 14. In a system of the class described, an automotive vehicle having a motor with an intake system and a power operated braking system, said power brake system having a pressure responsive member and a control means for admitting vacuum to said member, means providtake system, means operative upon idling oi the said passage and operative when said motor is accelerated to close said passage and vent same to atmosphere, means operative when said vehicle attains motion to close said to open said passage to said intake system as said vehicle stops, and means operative while said vehicle is in motion to admit vacuum to said member on the actuation of aforesaid vacuum brake control means.

15. In a brake system for an automotive vehicle equipped with an engine and a control for said engine, brakes, power means for the operaling said power means while the engine -is running in speeds above idling speeds, means for thereafter holding the brakes applied by said power means when the engine is idling and the said holding means oi said engine control means.

16. For an automotive vehicle provided with a mechanism supplyingoil pressure, an engine,

' a speed control comprising an accelerator pedal for said en ine. road wheels, brakes for said road wheels, 9. means supplying fluid power, a fluid operated power cylinder having a movable member acted on by said fluid power, means for connecting-said movable member with said brakes, a

Brake control including a valve for controlling the operation of said power cylinder, means com- .prising another valve controlled by said oil pressure for holding the brakes applied .by the power cylinder when the accelerator; pedal is released 17. In a vehicle having brake s, brake control means, means for setting the vehicle'in motion the vehicle brakes, a 1

said port being subject to vacuum in said caradapted to be resilient means operable ing a passage between said member and said ine from said intake system and operativetion of the brakes, means operable for control-' engine control is released, and means for making ineflective upon actuation including an accelerator, a power unit adapted to automatically operate the brakes on the operation oi said brake control means, and auxiliary control means for said power unit including means actuated by the motion of the vehicle and means actuated by saidaccelerator, both 18. In a motor vehicle having brakes and suc-' tion exerting means, brake control means including the brake pedal, an accelerator pedal, a power unit connected to said suction'means and adapted to automatically operate the brakes on the depression of said brake pedal, and auxiliary control means for said power unit including a valve actuated by the motion or the vehicle and a valve adapted to be actuated from the accelerator pedal so that when the brake pedal is released the brakes will be locked in operative position until'said accelerator pedal is depressed. a

19. In a vehicle having brakes, brake operating means, means for setting the vehicle in motion including an accelerator, a power unit adapted to be automatically controlled by the brake operating means, control means for said power unit including means actuated by the motion or the vehicle and means actuated by said accelerator, both said last named means being adapted to control the power of said power unit so that when said brake operating means are released the brakes will be locked in operative position until said accelerator is operated.

20. In a vehicle having brakes, suction exertin means, brake operating means, means for settin the vehicle in motion including an accelerator, a power unit connected to said suction means and adapted to be automatically controlled by said brake operating means, control means tor said power unit including means actuated by the moleased the brakes will be locked in operative position until said acceleratorris operated.

21. In combination with a motor vehicle having an engine and a control therefor, brakes, op-

erator controlled means for controlling the operation of the brakes, means for holding the brakes applied by .the first means when. the engine is idling and the control is released, and means for rendering the holding means ineflective upon actuation of the control. 1

'22. In a vehicle having brakes, brake operating means for applying and releasing the brakes, means including an accelerator tor setting the vehicle in motion, and control. means for said brake operating means includingmeans responsive to stopping of the vehicle and means actuated by the accelerator, bothv said-last named means being adapted to control the brake operating meansto maintain the brakes applied until the accelerator is operated;

23. In a vehicle having'brakes, fluid pressure means for operating said-brakes, manually operable means ior controlling the .fluidpressure means, means controlled by movement of the vehicle for maintaining the brakesapplied by said fluid pressure means when the movement 0! the vehicle is arrested, and mechanism movable by the operator for rendering the fluid pressure means inoperative to maintain the brakes applied.

24. In acontrol system for an automotive vehicle having an engine and a control !or said engine. a vehicle controlling element, a fluid motor for operating said element, and means for energizing said motor including means actuated by the motion of said vehicle and means actuated by said control, both said last named means being adapted to control the energization 01' said motor.

RALPH S. WHITTINGTON. 

